Answers to Common Estate Planning Questions
Estate planning can feel unfamiliar, especially if you’ve never worked with an attorney before. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often. If you don’t see yours, feel free to shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to add it to our list, or talk with you directly.


Estate Planning
Planning today brings peace of mind for tomorrow
Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?
The answer depends on your family, your assets, and your goals.
For many people, a well-prepared will, along with powers of attorney and advance medical directives, provides an excellent foundation for an estate plan.
A trust may be beneficial if you want to avoid probate for certain assets, provide ongoing management for beneficiaries, protect young children, plan for incapacity, or address more complex family or financial situations.
During your consultation, we’ll discuss your circumstances and help you determine whether a trust makes sense for your specific goals. Estate planning should never be one-size-fits-all.
What happens if I die without a Will
If you die without a valid will, state law determines who inherits your property and who may be appointed to administer your estate. This process is known as dying “intestate.”
For some families, the outcome may match what you would have wanted. For others, it can create unexpected complications—especially in blended families, unmarried partnerships, or situations involving minor children.
A will allows you to decide who will receive your assets, who will manage your estate, and who you would like to serve as guardian for your minor children. Having an estate plan in place gives your loved ones clear guidance during an already difficult time.
How Often Should I Review or Update My Estate Plan?
An estate plan isn’t something you create once and never think about again. As your life changes, your estate plan should change with it.
You should review your estate plan whenever you experience a significant life event, such as:
Marriage or divorce
The birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
The death or incapacity of a beneficiary, executor, or agent
A significant change in your financial circumstances
Moving to a new state
Starting or selling a business
Changes in your wishes or family relationships
Even if none of these events occur, it’s a good idea to review your estate plan every three to five years. Laws change, families grow, and your goals may evolve over time. A periodic review helps ensure your documents continue to reflect your wishes and provide the protection your loved ones deserve.
If you’re unsure whether your current estate plan still meets your needs, we’re happy to review your existing documents and discuss whether any updates are recommended.
How much does estate planning cost?
We believe estate planning shouldn’t feel like a mystery—including the cost.
That’s why we offer flat-fee pricing for most estate planning services. You’ll know exactly what’s included before any work begins, and you won’t receive surprise hourly bills.
Our estate planning packages begin at $395 for young adult planning and range to approximately $4,295 for comprehensive trust-based estate plans.
The right option depends on your family, your assets, and your goals. During your consultation, we’ll help you determine which package best fits your needs—without any pressure or unnecessary complexity. An estate plan is an investment in protecting your family and providing peace of mind. Our goal is to create a plan that offers lasting value while remaining practical and tailored to your needs.
How long does it take to create an estate plan?
Most estate planning matters can be completed within a few weeks, depending on the complexity of your plan and how quickly information is gathered and decisions are made.
Your first consultation is focused on understanding your goals and answering your questions. From there, we’ll prepare your documents, review everything together, make any necessary revisions, and guide you through signing and finalizing your plan.
We strive to make the process straightforward, organized, and as stress-free as possible.
I already have a will. Why would I need to update it?
Even a well-drafted will can become outdated as your life changes. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, significant changes in your assets, or updates to State law may all affect whether your current estate plan still reflects your wishes.
Reviewing your estate plan periodically helps ensure it continues to protect your loved ones and accomplish what you intended. If it’s been several years since your documents were prepared, a review can provide valuable peace of mind—even if only minor updates are needed.
Learn more about our Estate Planning Services →

Probate & Estate Administration
Guidance when you need it most
What is probate, and when is it necessary?
Probate is the legal process of administering a person’s estate after they pass away. It typically involves validating a will (if one exists), identifying assets, paying debts, and distributing property to beneficiaries.
Not every asset passes through probate. Property held in a trust, jointly owned property, and many accounts with designated beneficiaries often transfer outside of the probate process.
Whether probate is necessary depends on the nature of the assets and how they are titled. We’ll help you understand what applies to your family’s situation and guide you through each step if probate is required.
How long does probate take?
Every estate is different, but many probate matters take several months to complete. More complex estates—or those involving disputes, difficult assets, or tax issues—may take longer.
The timeline depends on factors such as the size of the estate, creditor claims, court requirements, and the time needed to gather and distribute assets.
While no attorney can eliminate every delay, we work to keep the process organized, communicate regularly, and help move your matter forward as efficiently as possible.
What is the role of an executor or personal representative?
An executor (sometimes called a personal representative) is responsible for carrying out the instructions in a will and managing the estate throughout the probate process.
This may include locating assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, filing required paperwork, maintaining records, and distributing property to beneficiaries.
Serving as an executor is an important responsibility, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We provide guidance throughout the administration process so you can fulfill your duties with confidence.
Can you help if my loved one already passed away?
We regularly assist executors and personal representatives with the legal and administrative steps involved in settling an estate, including probate filings, required notices, inventories, and distributions in uncontested matters.
Our goal is to provide clear guidance so you understand your responsibilities and can move through the process with confidence.
If an estate becomes contested or requires courtroom representation, we’ll help you understand your options and, if appropriate, refer you to an attorney whose practice focuses on probate litigation.
What are the costs associated with probate?
Probate costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate, court filing fees, and the amount of work required during administration.
During your consultation, we’ll explain the anticipated costs, discuss our fee structure, and answer any questions you have about the probate process.
We believe clients should understand what to expect before moving forward, allowing you to make informed decisions with confidence.
Do you handle contested probate or estate litigation?
No.
Our practice focuses on estate planning and uncontested estate administration. We do not represent clients in probate litigation, will contests, trust disputes, or other contested court proceedings.
By focusing our practice on planning and uncontested matters, we’re able to provide personalized guidance, efficient service, and transparent flat-fee pricing.
If your matter involves a dispute, we’re happy to help you identify an attorney whose practice is focused on probate litigation.
Learn more about our Estate Administration Services →

Working With Crestbrook DexJen
What to expect when you work with our firm.
What should I bring to my consultation?
For estate planning consultations, it’s helpful to bring a general list of your assets, information about your family, and any existing estate planning documents you may already have.
If you’re seeking help with estate administration, bring the will (if there is one), any court documents you’ve received, and any information you have regarding your loved one’s assets and debts.
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything. We’ll let you know what information is needed and guide you through the process
Do you offer flat-fee pricing?
Yes. Most estate planning services are offered on a flat-fee basis, allowing you to know the cost before work begins.
Some probate and estate administration matters vary depending on the complexity of the estate. During your consultation, we’ll explain the anticipated fees and answer any questions you may have.
Our goal is to provide transparent pricing and clear expectations from the very beginning.
Will I work directly with you?
Yes.
When you choose Crestbrook DexJen Estate Law, you’ll work directly with me throughout your matter.
I believe estate planning is personal, and you deserve direct access to the attorney preparing your documents and advising you on important decisions.
You’ll receive individualized attention, clear communication, and guidance tailored to your family’s unique goals.
How do we get started?
It begins with a conversation.
During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals, answer your questions, and recommend planning options based on your unique circumstances.
There’s no pressure and no obligation—just an opportunity to gain clarity about your options and begin creating a plan that protects the people you love.
Do you offer virtual or in-person appointments?
Yes.
Both in-person consultations and virtual appointments are available to make meeting with us as convenient as possible.
Whether you prefer to visit our office or meet from the comfort of your home, we’ll work with you to provide the same thoughtful guidance and personalized service.

Focused on Planning. Dedicated to Families.
Crestbrook DexJen Estate Law focuses exclusively on estate planning and uncontested estate administration.
By maintaining a focused practice, we’re able to provide thoughtful guidance, personalized service, and transparent flat-fee pricing—without the distraction of courtroom litigation.

(804) 728-0615
info@crestbrooklaw.com
Richmond, Virginia
